So it begins. Sometimes, you should do things that scare you – the exciting kind of scared that makes life worth living. Since I was in elementary school as did a school project learning about (and dressing up as) Eleanor Roosevelt, I’ve also loved this quote:
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out easily and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Since then it’s been my mantra for life – always wanting to adventure and see new things. That’s how this project was born. I’ve done a lot of biking, and week-long biking trips, but nothing like this. I started my ride in Menomonie at the Train Depot where Landmark Conservancy’s Executive Director Rick Remington saw me off. I’m so excited and grateful to be able to share the project with all the amazing advocacy groups around the state working to protect and promote natural places, recreation infrastructure, and the opportunity to get outside throughout Wisconsin. Thanks to Landmark for all the good work they do!
I rode south along the river on the Red Cedar State Trail, through a landscape shaped by decades of conservation projects, many of which were made possible by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Just outside of Menomonie and a short distance from the trail is the Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve, one of Dunn County’s most visited natural areas. It features a 45-foot rock amphitheater, exposed rock face, and small waterfall. The surrounding land plays a vital role in filtering and carrying water through the ravine, beneath the trail, and ultimately into the Red Cedar River. In 2022, Knowles-Nelson funded the replacement of the lower stairway, making the descent down the steep slope safer and more accessible to its thousands of visitors each year. It’s a beautiful and breath-taking spot and definitely worth a visit!
This three-acre property is managed by Landmark Conservancy, a non-profit conservation organization serving 20 counties in northwest Wisconsin. Landmark works primarily with landowners who wish to conserve their land in perpetuity, and partners with municipalities, state, and federal entities to create public preserves and trails like this one. At the Punchbowl, that means safeguarding its unique hydrology, microhabitats, and plant species for the future.
I continued pedaling south, stopped briefly to enjoy the lookout on the historic railroad trestle over the Chippewa River, and arrived at the junction with the Chippewa River State Trail. I paused in appreciation to celebrate a recent conservation success! I was at the northern end of a 6.5-mile trail section that Landmark just purchased from Xcel Energy in mid-August. This section stretches from the junction to Durand. Xcel Energy sold the last privately-owned section of trail corridor to Landmark at a generous discount, and the purchase will be reimbursed by a Knowles-Nelson grant secured by Landmark in 2025.
For trail users like me, the significance is simple: this section of the trail now has permanent public access. Future generations will be able to bike, walk, run, and enjoy this scenic area of Wisconsin because of a strong public-private partnership committed to protecting it forever. It’s especially important because it connects the ends of the Red Cedar and Chippewa to Durand, which has snacks, water, and even a pool if you are interested in a quick dip mid-ride!
Biking along the Chippewa River, I soon passed the 364-acre Meridean Barrens property, protected by Landmark in 2022. This project added acreage to a complex of diverse conserved habitat that contains unique ecological communities and more rare species than any area of comparable size in Wisconsin.
On the Chippewa I also had one of the first of many reroutes around a section of trail that was being resurfaced. It wasn’t an inconvenience because of all the great, quiet local roads that complement the trails to make WI one of the best places to ride your bike!
My favorite section of the trail today was the Chippewa just south of Eau Claire through the Red Flint Recreation Area. It’s a beautiful section of trail, winding next to the Chippewa River, and connects with an extensive bike path network in Eau Claire, which would be a great launching spot for a day trip. The Chippewa runs right through town, including through the renovated Phoenix Park, before connecting with the Old Abe Trail that runs all the way up to Brunet Island State Park.
On this first day of my journey, the benefits of Knowles-Nelson funding were all around me and obviously part of what makes WI such a great place to ride a bike. I’m excited to find more conservation gems woven into the landscape in the days ahead and explore more parts of this great state. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post highlighting more trails, more towns, and more Knowles-Nelson projects I’ll see from the seat of my bicycle!
Visit Landmark’s website to learn more about their work in protecting places like the Devil’s Punchbowl, Chippewa River State Trail, and Meridean Barrens: https://landmarkwi.org/. And consider supporting their efforts if you are so inclined – through a monetary donation or volunteering at one of their restoration or educational events throughout the summer!
– Sarah
Today at a glance
Day 1 | Menomonie to Rice Lake
Miles: 121
Explore Nearby
Dunn County, WI | Managed by: Landmark Conservancy
Originally intended to be a nuclear power plant site, the Meridian Barrens were protected and made public through Knowles-Nelson funding. Visitors can now hike, fish, and hunt on the land.
Eau Claire, WI | Managed by: City of Eau Claire
Eau Claire's Phoenix Park boasts a walking labyrinth, an outdoor amphitheater, the Eau Claire Farmers Market, and the Chippewa River State Trail trailhead. Knowles-Nelson funds allowed for Phoenix Park’s development and expansion.
Chippewa County, WI | Managed by: WI DNR
Tom Lawin Wildlife Area is a 2,282-acre public hunting and wildlife preserve. It's also a birding hotspot, with visitors frequently spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, American bitterns, harriers, and short-eared owls. Knowles-Nelson funded land purchases for the preserve’s expansion.
